Check your smoke, carbon monoxide detector batteries

Firemen's Association of the State of New York urges residents to check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Provided photo

When you turn your clocks forward today for daylight saving time it is also a good time to check smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries, according to the Firemen's Association of the State of New York.

FASNY urges everyone to make sure smoke, carbon monoxide detectors are functioning and replace the batteries, if needed. FASNY also recommends that people dust or vacuum the detectors to keep them free of debris, so they can work properly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in more than 1/3 of home fire deaths, no smoke alarms were present. In 1/4 of home fire deaths, smoke alarms were present, but did not sound and 36 percent of fatal fire victims never wake up before being injured.

"If there is a fire in the home and an existing alarm does not sound, the top three reasons are: disconnected, missing or dead batteries," according to FASNY President James Burns. "Now, when you are adjusting your clocks to daylight saving time, is the perfect opportunity to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries. Too often we have seen fire and carbon monoxide lead to preventable tragedy brought about by the lack of a functioning detector."

Here are some tips from FASNY:

Test detectors at least once a month by using the test button.

Check the batteries every six months, and change the batteries every year. If a battery is starting to lose its power, the unit will usually chirp to warn you. Do NOT disable the unit.

Vacuum or blow out any dust that might accumulate in the unit.

NEVER borrow a battery from a detector to use somewhere else.

NEVER paint a smoke or CO detector.

Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in, or near each sleeping area.

Smoke detectors should not be installed near a window because drafts could interfere with their operation.

Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing smoke alarms and replacing the batteries.

For more information on smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other information on fire safety and prevention, visit FASNY's website.